Local church choirs to perform March 24

March 20, 2013

The Faith Lutheran Church Sanctuary Choir in conjunction with the choirs from First Presbyterian Church, St. Anselm Episcopal Church, The Church of God of Prophesy, Liberation Outreach International and Buckingham Presbyterian Church will present a brand new choral work by Mark Hayes to be held on March 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 705 Leeland Heights Blvd. in Lehigh Acres.

Hayes is a well-respected and very prolific American composer, who recently conducted a large chorus in Naples. His piano jazz arrangements of gospel songs are renowned and used by many church musicians around the country.

This new work, "The Power of the Cross," is a prism through which we view unfolding events of Holy week with grateful humility. We see that the cheers that fill Jerusalem streets will soon turn to jeers; that the faithful disciples who gather with Jesus at the Lord's Supper include one who will betray him, and that, even as Jesus struggles in Gethsemane, ultimately he will surrender to God's purpose for him - Your will be done."

The combined choirs will perform at Faith Lutheran Church.

Members of the featured quartet are Christine Bronson, La Von Koenig, David Sundby and Randy Moody. A special Mezzo-soprano solo titled "Pieta" will be sung by Christine Bronson who has a large local following.

The narrators for this production are Rev. Walter Fohs, and Richard Anglickis. The choir directors are Dennis Lewis, Candace Sundby, Julian Sundby, Janice Boucher and Jim Kreger. Grace Shuga is the accompanist. Leonard Mlejnek will play various percussion instruments and Peter Heubeck, clarinetist with George Unverzagt, violist will join the ensemble for the performance.

Liturgical dancers from the Church of God of Prophesy will take attendees down the road into Jerusalem along with the crowds. This award winning troupe will also dance during the "Pieta" (depicting the mother of Jesus concerned greatly about her son, Jesus.

There is no charge for these events. However, you may need to come early to get good seats. Parking is plentiful at both churches and there is room for buses as well.